Does Medicare Part A or B pay for cataract surgery?
Asked by: Clinton Haley | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (6 votes)
What part of cataract surgery is not covered by Medicare?
Medicare only covers necessary cataract surgery using standard intraocular lenses. It won't cover advanced lenses or elective surgery that's made to correct astigmatism or nearsightedness.
What is the cost of cataract surgery with Medicare?
Average cost range
Average cataract surgery costs vary depending on the source. Medicare, which bases national averages on 2022 payments, indicates the average cost ranges between $1,808 and $2,866 per eye, depending on which type of care facility performs the procedure.
Which insurance covers cataract surgery?
Yes, cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and commercial insurance as a medically necessary procedure, granted that the patient meets certain criteria. While requirements vary, a patient needs to be symptomatic and express difficulty performing any number of activities of daily living.
How much should cataract surgery cost?
Average Cost of Cataract Surgery
In the United States, cataract surgery costs between $3,500 and $7,000 per eye, without insurance. Insurance—including Medicare—often reduces those overall expenses. The exact costs of your cataract surgeries will depend on your insurance.
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
How do you get covered for cataract surgery?
Fortunately, cataract surgery is covered by OHIP, as it's considered medically necessary to improve quality of life and prevent significant vision loss. OHIP also covers treatments for: Glaucoma. Diabetes.
At what stage does Medicare pay for cataracts?
Once it's determined by your doctor that surgery is necessary for your cataracts, Medicare will normally cover 80% of the costs. This includes all preoperative and postoperative exams, surgical removal of the cataract, implantation of the new lens, and a pair of eyeglasses or contacts.
How bad does your vision have to be for cataract surgery?
Loss of Vision
You do not have to wait until your cataract symptoms become severe before deciding to have surgery. When your blurry vision and other cataract symptoms interfere with activities you enjoy and your quality of life, it is time to consider surgery.
Are premium cataract lenses worth it?
You can reduce your dependence on glasses and contacts
For many people, this reason alone is what convinces them that a premium IOL is the way to go. If you've worn glasses or contact lenses your entire life, choosing a premium IOL during cataract surgery can finally grant you visual freedom!
Do you get free glasses after cataract surgery with Medicare?
Typically, Medicare does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, after cataract surgery Medicare will cover one standard pair of untinted prescription eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses. If it is medically necessary, Medicare may pay for customized eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Is it better to be nearsighted or farsighted after cataract surgery?
If your daily lifestyle includes activities such as driving or watching TV, then farsightedness after surgery might be a great fit. You'll have clear distance vision for the things you do most, and close-up tasks can be easily tackled with a well-chosen pair of reading glasses.
What is the newest lens for cataract surgery?
The Odyssey lens implant is designed to provide clear vision across a wide range, from far distances to as close as 33 cm (13 inches). This covers most daily activities, from driving to reading, effectively mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The lens uses a proprietary violet light-filtering chromophore.
Do you get a free pair of glasses after cataract surgery?
How To Get Free Glasses After Cataract Surgery. If the patient has Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), or Medicaid services coverage, they might be able to receive new glasses for free after surgery. Medicare Part B coverage handles the cost of glasses in many Medicare insurance plans.
Will Medicare pay for cataract surgery in 2024?
Yes, if you have original Medicare. You must first meet the annual deductible, which will be $240 in 2024, and pay 20% of the cost of cataract surgery. Medicare Part B covers 80% of the cost of the surgery and post-surgical corrective lenses.
How long does cataract surgery take?
How long does cataract surgery take? Cataract surgery takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the severity of the condition. You should also plan to spend up to 30 minutes following the surgery to recover from the effects of the sedative.
Do you always get 20 20 vision after cataract surgery?
While many people will obtain 20/20 vision from their IOL, 30 to 50 percent of people who choose a monofocal IOL will still require corrective lenses after surgery. Schedule a consultation with an eye doctor near you to see if you qualify for surgery.
What disqualifies you from cataract surgery?
Are in poor health or have a serious medical condition. Have advanced macular degeneration. Have a detached retina. Have a medical condition of the eyes, such as an infection.
What happens if you wait too long to remove cataracts?
Ultimately, untreated cataracts will progress to the point where vision is seriously impaired, which could mean full or partial sight-loss. You should always speak to your ophthalmologist as soon as you experience symptoms of cataracts, and they'll be able to advise you on treatment.
Why won't Medicare pay for my cataract surgery?
Medicare pays money toward cataract surgery as long as a doctor agrees that it is medically necessary. The cost of cataract surgery may vary. Medicare Part B usually covers 80% of the surgical costs. People may wish to use Medicare supplement plans, such as Medigap, to help cover the remaining 20%.
Is cataract surgery painful?
Most people feel little or no pain during or after cataract surgery. You'll receive a topical anesthetic (eye drops) to numb your eye during the surgery. Shortly after surgery, your eye may feel gritty or slightly tender, but over-the-counter pain medicine should improve this.
What part of cataract surgery is not covered by insurance?
Insurance will cover the basic costs of cataract surgery including the surgeon fee, facility fee, and anesthesiologist fees. Costs for Lifestyle Lenses are and Refractive Services not covered by insurance and are the responsibility of the patient.
What are the red flags after cataract surgery?
Go to eye casualty or A&E if you have:
severe pain after surgery. swelling of the eyelids. increasing redness, pain and blurring of vision in the days or weeks after surgery. distorted vision, wavy lines, flashing light or floaters that were not there before.
How long are you in hospital for cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is performed on a day-care basis. This means you are admitted to hospital, have your operation and are discharged home all in the same day. Therefore, you should be able to return to work a few days after your operation, depending on your occupation.